Cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a cleaning apparatus, such as a battery-powered vacuum cleaner, that has a body and a cleaning wand. The apparatus operates in a multiple power mode, uses a wireless system to allow an operator interface to be provided on the cleaning wand and/or uses a motion detector on the cleaning wand to operate the cleaning apparatus in an intelligent manner. In cases where the cleaning apparatus is a battery-powered apparatus, the use of a multiple power mode, wireless system and/or a motion detector helps to extend the life of a battery.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a cleaning apparatus, such as a battery-powered vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND

Cleaning apparatuses, such as vacuum cleaners, are generally known and provide increased mobility and productivity for cleaning tasks. Many vacuum cleaners have a vacuum body housing a vacuum motor and a movable cleaning wand. The cleaning wand is connected to the vacuum body through a flexible tubing. In most cases, the vacuum cleaners are AC-powered and require a corded power connection. In certain cases, the vacuum cleaners are battery powered.

An operator activates the vacuum motor when cleaning is desired. Typically, an operator uses a switch on an operator interface located on the vacuum body itself to switch the vacuum motor between an off mode and an on mode. During the on mode, a power source, e.g., a battery, supplies power to the vacuum motor in a single power mode. The operator typically keeps the motor on until the cleaning job is completed.

One drawback of battery-powered vacuums is the continuous supply of power during cleaning tends to quickly drain the battery. If the vacuum manufacturer reduces the power level to conserve the battery, such a lower power level is sometimes not enough to effectively clean surfaces quickly and without prolonged use of the vacuum. Thus, a vacuum manufacturer must often strike a compromise between battery run time and cleaning effectiveness. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a system that extends the life of a battery in a battery-powered vacuum cleaner and also delivers bursts of cleaning power greater than what is currently available.

Another drawback of vacuum cleaners is that the operator interface is typically located on the vacuum body rather than on the cleaning wand. It is often cumbersome for an operator to have to control the vacuum operation using an operator interface on the vacuum body. For example, in cases where the portable vacuum cleaner is a backpack vacuum cleaner, an operator sometimes must remove a hand from the wand in order to easily engage with the operator interface on the body. Operator interfaces are not provided on the cleaning wand because the operator interface is electrically connected to the vacuum motor using electrical wires. The electrical wires would have to extend from the wand, through a flexible tubing, to the vacuum motor. As an operator moves the wand, the electrical wires inside the wand and the flexible tuning also move, which in turn makes the electrical wires more prone to being damaged. As such, it would also be desirable to provide an operator interface on the cleaning wand, which is a more operator-friendly location, in a manner that does not compromise the electrical components of the vacuum cleaner.

A yet another drawback of battery-powered vacuum cleaners is that the vacuum cleaner is controlled entirely based on an operator's instructions using the operator interface. However, operators are unable to operate the vacuum cleaner in a manner that extends the life of a battery in a battery-powered vacuum cleaner. Typically, an operator simply instructs the vacuum cleaner to turn off or on. When the vacuum is on, the operator operates the vacuum in a continuous manner until cleaning is completed. Again, this continuous mode of operation quickly drains the battery. As such, it would be desirable to provide an intelligent system that operates the vacuum in an intelligent manner that extends the life of the battery and operates in conjunction with or without a need for an operator's instructions.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus can be any cleaning apparatus known in the art. In some cases, the cleaning apparatus is a battery-powered cleaning apparatus. In other cases, the cleaning apparatus is a vacuum cleaner. In yet other cases, the cleaning apparatus is a battery-powered vacuum cleaner. Finally, in some cases, the cleaning apparatus is a backpack battery-powered vacuum cleaner.

In certain embodiments, the cleaning apparatus is a battery-powered cleaning apparatus that includes a battery, a power management system and a motor. The battery can be any suitable battery known in the art, such as a lithium ion battery. The power management system can be any suitable power management system known in the art that selectively electrically connects and disconnects the battery and the motor. In some cases, the power management system is a battery management system that includes a central processing unit and power electronics, where the CPU instructs the power electronics to selectively electrically connect and disconnect the battery and the motor.

The battery-powered cleaning apparatus has two or more power modes of operations. For example, the two or more power modes can include a first power mode, a second power mode and an off or no power mode. In some cases, the first power mode is a low power mode and the second power mode is a high power mode, so that the second power mode has a higher power mode than the first power mode. An operator can select the use of the first power mode or the second power mode using switches or a like mechanism on an operator interface. When the operator selects the first power mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery and the motor using a first duty cycle. When the operator selects the second power mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery and the motor using a second duty cycle, wherein the second duty cycle is higher than the first duty cycle. Finally, when the operator selects the off mode, the power management system disconnects the battery from the motor.

Applicant has discovered that the use of such a multiple power mode system helps to extend the life of the battery in a battery-powered cleaning apparatus. Previously, operators would run the cleaning apparatus in a single power mode in a continuous fashion until the cleaning job was complete. When the operator encountered difficult to clean surfaces, the single power mode was not powerful enough to effectively clean such surfaces quickly. The operator would then use the vacuum on these difficult surfaces in a prolonged manner until the surface was suitably cleaned. The use of such a continuous, prolonged, single power mode quickly drained the battery. Applicants have developed a multiple power mode that allows an operator to use a higher power mode during times where aggressive cleaning is desired. This high power mode allows the operator to quickly clean difficult surfaces and to avoid prolonged use of the motor, which helps to prolong the battery life.

In some embodiments, the dual mode battery-powered cleaning apparatus further has a timing system that also helps to prolong the battery life. The timing system regulates the time period the motor is allowed to operate in each power mode. For example, in cases where the cleaning apparatus has a first power mode, a second power mode and an off mode, the timing system can include a first power mode timer and a second power mode timer. The first power mode timer regulates the time period the motor operates in the first power mode and the second power mode timer regulates the time period the motor operates in the second power mode. In operation, when an operator selects the first power mode, the power management system resets the first power mode timer and operates in the first power mode. When the first power mode timer expires, the power management system automatically shuts the motor off. When the operator selects the second power mode, the power management system resets the second power mode timer and operates in the second power mode. When the second power mode timer expires, the power management system automatically switches to the first power mode.

Applicant has discovered that the use of a timing system makes sure the cleaning apparatus is not running during periods when the selected mode of cleaning is not needed. For example, the first power mode timer makes sure the operator does not leave the motor on when cleaning is not taking place. Here, the operator must continuously engage with the operator interface to reactive the first power mode to let the power management system know that the operator still desires to use the low power mode. The second power mode timer makes sure the operator does not run the motor in the second power mode for a period of time that is longer than necessary to aggressively clean a surface. Applicant's timing system helps to prolong the life of the battery.

In certain cases, the timing system also includes a wait timer for the second power mode. This second power mode wait timer regulates a time period the motor must wait before operating in a subsequent second power mode. For example, when the operator selects the second power mode, the power management system checks to make sure the second power mode wait timer has expired before switching back into a second power mode. If the timer has not expired, the power management system will continue to operate the motor in the first power mode. Once the timer expires, the power management system allows the operator to switch the motor into the second power mode. Applicant has discovered that providing a wait period between high power mode operations allows the battery to have a break and thus helps to extend the life of the battery.

In other embodiments, the cleaning apparatus is a cleaning apparatus that includes a body and a cleaning wand, wherein the body and the cleaning wand are joined together by a movable, flexible member. The body includes the motor, the power management system and a wireless receiver. The cleaning wand includes an operator interface and a wireless transmitter. The operator selects a desired mode of operation using the interface and the wireless transmitter on the cleaning wand transmits a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode of operation or function activation to the wireless receiver on the body. The wireless receiver then sends the signal to the power management system, which uses the signal to operate the motor in the operator's selected power mode of operation or to operate the machine in the operator's selected function activation. The function activation can be any desired command to operate the machine.

Applicant has discovered that the use of such a wireless system allows for the operator interface to be placed on the cleaning wand itself rather than on the vacuum body. The use of an operator interface on the wand makes it easier for the operator to engage with the interface. At the same time, the wireless system avoids the need to extend electrical wires from the operator interface on the wand, through the flexible member to the body.

In yet other embodiments, the cleaning apparatus includes a body and a cleaning wand. The body includes a motor and a power management system. The cleaning wand includes a motion detector that detects an operator's desired power mode of operation when the operator moves the cleaning wand at threshold movement criteria. The motion detector then sends a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode of operation to the power management system, which uses the signal to control operation of the motor. In certain embodiments, the cleaning apparatus operates in a first power mode, a second power mode and an off mode, wherein the second power mode is a higher power mode than the first power mode. In this case, the motion detector detects a desired first power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a first threshold movement criteria and detects a desired second power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a second threshold movement criteria. Finally, the motion detector detects a desired off mode when the operator allows the cleaning wand to remain idle for a threshold period of time. The threshold movement criteria can be a threshold movement speed or other suitable criteria.

In this embodiment, the cleaning apparatus can still include an operator interface to allow an operator to also control the operation of the motor in addition to the motion sensor. In other cases, the cleaning apparatus omit the operator interface so that the motion sensor alone controls the operation of the motor. Applicants have discovered that the use of a motion detector on the cleaning wand allows the cleaning apparatus to operate intelligently in conjunction with or in the absence of the operator's commands to the operator interface.

Finally, in certain embodiments, the cleaning apparatus is an apparatus that incorporates each of the embodiments described above. For example, the cleaning apparatus can be a battery-powered cleaning apparatus that a body and a cleaning wand, wherein the body and the cleaning wand are joined together by a movable, flexible member. The body includes a battery, a motor, a power management system and a wireless receiver. The cleaning wand includes a motion detector, a wireless transmitter and an optional operator's interface.

The cleaning apparatus operates in a first power mode, a second power mode and an off mode, wherein the second power mode is a higher power mode than the first power mode. The motion detector detects the operator's desired power mode of operation and sends a signal indicative of the operator's desired power mode of operation to the wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter transmits the signal to the wireless receiver, which in turn sends the signal to the power management system. The power management system uses the signal to control operation of the motor in either the first power mode, second power mode or off mode.

In cases where an operator's interface is provided, the operator selects a mode of operation using the interface and the wireless transmitter transmits a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode of operation to the wireless receiver. Again, wireless transmitter receives a signal indicative of the operator's selective mode of operation and transmits this signal to the wireless receiver. The wireless receiver then sends the signal to the power management system, which uses the signal to operate the motor in the operator's selected power mode of operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operator wearing a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a chart showing certain basic components for an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an operational process for an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operator wearing a vacuum cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Various types of vacuum cleaners are known and the vacuum cleaner 10 can be any type that is battery-powered. Generally, the vacuum cleaner 10 includes a body 12, a vacuum motor 14, a battery pack 16 and a cleaning wand 18.

The body 12 includes a debris compartment that receives debris and is removable or openable to enable an operator to empty debris. The body 12 also houses the vacuum motor 14, which can be a conventional DC motor. The body 12 can be supported on the back of an operator, for example using a harness system. The harness system can include two shoulder straps and at least one weight strap for securing and supporting the body 12 on the operator's back.

The battery pack 16 is electrically connected to and supplies power to the vacuum motor 14. In some cases, the battery pack 16 is provided as part of or inside of the belt. The battery pack 16 can be a very heavy component and by placing it as part of or inside of the belt, the overall weight of the vacuum cleaner 10 is more evenly distributed relative to the operator and this helps to reduce operator fatigue. Of course, in other embodiments, the battery pack 16 can be secured to or housed within the body 12.

The wand 18 typically includes a handle 20 and a distal end 24 configured as a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus 24 can be any type of vacuum cleaning apparatus known in the art, such as a brush or suction head. The cleaning apparatus 24 is not limited to any type of configuration and can be a permanent or detachable part of the wand distal end. An operator grasps the wand 18 by the handle 20 and freely moves the cleaning apparatus 24 over surfaces to be cleaned. The wand 18 is also operably connected to the debris compartment in the body 12 using a wherein a movable, flexible member 22 such as a tubing or hose. The vacuum cleaner 10 operates to suction air from the cleaning surface, through the wand 18, through the flexible member 22 and into the debris compartment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the battery pack 16 includes a battery 26, a battery management system (“BMS”) 28 and a wireless receiver 36. The battery 26 can have any suitable battery chemistry and in many cases is a lithium ion battery. The BMS 28 may be a conventional BMS and it includes a power electronics 30, a central processing unit (“CPU”) 32 and a sensing system 34. The battery 26 is electrically connected to the power electronics 30 and also to the sensing system 34. The CPU 32 is electrically connected to the power electronics 30, the sensing system 34 and the wireless receiver 36. Finally, the power electronics 30 is electrically connected to the vacuum motor 14.

The power electronics 30 can include any standard electronics known in the art for connecting and disconnecting the battery 26 to the vacuum motor 14. In certain cases, the power electronics 30 includes power transistor switches that switch between an on mode and an off mode. When the switches are on, the battery 26 is electrically connected to and outputs a voltage to the vacuum motor 14. When the switches are off, the battery 26 is disconnected from and does not output a voltage to the vacuum motor 14.

The sensing system 34 includes temperature sensors and voltage sensors. The temperature sensors sense the battery temperature and the voltage sensors sense the battery voltage. The sensors 34 are also electrically connected to the CPU 32 so that the CPU 32 inputs sensed battery temperature and sensed battery voltage. The wireless receiver 36 can be any wireless receiver known in the art, such as a Zigbee module or a Bluetooth module.

The CPU 32 can include any central processing unit known in the art and controls the on and off switching of the power electronics 30. For example, the CPU 32 switches the power electronics off when the sensed battery temperature is too high or when the sensed battery voltage is either too high or too low. The CPU 32 also controls whether the power electronics 30 outputs a maximum voltage or outputs a reduced voltage to the vacuum motor 14, thereby allowing the vacuum motor 14 to run in either a high power mode or a low power mode. When the power electronics 30 outputs the maximum voltage to the vacuum motor 14, the vacuum motor 14 operates in a high power mode. When the power electronics 30 outputs a reduced voltage, the vacuum motor 14 operates in a low power mode.

In some embodiments, the CPU 32 produces a pulse width modulation output to the power electronics 30 to vary the on/off switching frequency (i.e., the duty cycle) of the battery voltage output. When high power mode is desired, the power electronics 30 uses a standard duty cycle to output a desired maximum voltage to the vacuum motor 14. When a low power mode is desired, the power electronics 30 uses a lowered duty cycle (i.e., a duty cycle that is lower than the standard duty cycle) to output a reduced voltage to the vacuum motor 14.

The CPU 32 sets the lowered duty cycle at a percentage that is lower than the standard duty cycle percentage in order to provide a reduced voltage output. The lowered duty cycle percentage can be any percentage desired to create a desired reduced voltage output and thus a desired low power mode. In some embodiments, the power electronics 30 uses a standard duty cycle to output a maximum voltage of 46 volts to the vacuum motor 14 to cause it to run in high power mode. When a low power mode is desired, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to lower the duty cycle in order to output a reduced voltage that is lower than the 46 volts, for example 23 volts. Of course, any desired maximum voltage output and desired reduced voltage output can be used.

The CPU 32 sets the standard duty cycle at any percentage that achieves a desired maximum voltage output. In some embodiments, the standard duty cycle is a percentage lower than 100%. For example, if a fully charged battery 26 supplies between 46 to 50 volts to the power electronics 30, the standard duty cycle is a percentage that is less than 100% to cause a maximum output voltage of 46 volts to be supplied to the motor 14. Setting a maximum voltage output that is lower than the highest possible voltage output of the battery 26 allows for the motor 14 to operate in a consistent way when in a high power mode, regardless of how full the battery 26 is charged or the age of the battery 26. Setting such a maximum voltage output also helps to extend the life of the battery 26.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the vacuum wand 18 includes an operator switch 38, an optional second operator switch 40, a first wireless transmitter 42, a first power source 44, a second wireless transmitter 46, a second power source 48 and a motion detector 50. The operator switch 38 and optional second operator switch 40 are electrically connected to the first wireless transmitter 42. The motion detector 50 is electrically connected to the second wireless transmitter 46. Finally the first power source 44 powers the first wireless transmitter 42 and the second power source 48 powers the second wireless transmitter 46 and the motion detector 50.

Each the first wireless transmitter 42 and the second wireless transmitter 46 transmits data to the wireless receiver 36 located in the battery pack 16. While two wireless transmitters 42, 46 and two power sources 44, 48 are shown, these can instead be combined into a single wireless transmitter powered by a single power source if desired. The wireless transmitters 42, 46 can be any wireless transmitter known in the art, such as a Zigbee module or a Bluetooth module. The power sources 44, 48 can be in the form of a small battery or from the energy generated from a energy harvesting apparatus such as an electromotive or piezoelectric apparatus.

In certain embodiments, the operator switch 38 (and optionally the switch 40), the wireless transmitter 42 and the power source 44 can be combined into a single device. In some cases, the single device can be an energy harvesting wireless switch. In this type of switch, an operator mechanically activates the switch, for example by pressing a spring. The mechanical actuation generates electrical energy, which is used to power a wireless transmitter and prompt the transmitter to send a signal to a wireless receiver. One exemplary energy harvesting wireless switch is sold by Cherry Corporation. The preliminary specifications for the exemplary switch are available at http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/energy%20harvesting/index.htm or http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/energy%20harvesting/pdf/Energy%20Harvesting%20Switch.pdf and are hereby incorporated by reference.

The operator switch 38 and optional switch 40 form the operator interface that allows an operator to signal whether he or she desires to turn the vacuum motor 14 on or off. The switches 38, 40 also signal whether the operator wishes the motor 14 to run in the low power mode or the high power mode. A variety of different switch arrangements and embodiments can be used to accomplish these functions.

In some embodiments, a single operator switch 38 is used. This single switch 38 can be embodied as a trigger or other suitable apparatus on the wand handle 20 to allow the operator to frequently engage it to control the vacuum motor operation. For example, in some cases, a single press of the trigger 38 prompts the vacuum motor 14 to turn on and operate in a default low power mode, a double press of the trigger 38 prompts the vacuum motor 14 to switch to a high power mode and a triple press of the trigger 38 prompts the vacuum motor 14 to shut off. In other cases, a long press of the trigger 38, rather than a triple press, prompts the vacuum motor 14 to shut off.

In other embodiments, both switches 38, 40 are used. In some cases, the switch 38 can be embodied as a trigger and the switch 40 can be embodied as an on/off button or switch located on the wand handle 20. Here, an operator uses the on/off button 40 to turn the vacuum motor 14 on or off. When the motor 14 is turned on, a default low power mode is used. When the operator desires a high power mode, he or she simply presses the trigger 38 once to switch the motor 14 to a high power mode. Again, skilled artisans will understand that a variety of different switch configurations can be used.

The operator switch 38 and optional switch 40 (i.e., the operator interface) are electrically connected to the wireless transmitter 42. When the switches 38, 40 signal that the motor 14 should be turned on or off or that high power operation is desired, the wireless transmitter 42 wirelessly transmits this signal to the wireless receiver 36 on the battery pack. The wireless receiver 36 then sends the signal to the CPU 32.

The wand 18 can also include a motion detector 50 located about the cleaning apparatus 24. Generally, the motion detector 50 senses whether an operator is beginning a cleaning task and thus the low power mode operation of the motor 14 is desired. The motion detector 50 can also sense whether an aggressive cleaning motion (for example, a tap or a rapid back and forth motion) is taking place and thus the high power mode of the motor 14 is desired. Finally, the motion detector 50 can sense whether the wand 18 is idle and thus the motor should be shut off. Any type of motion detector 50 known in the art that is capable of sensing whether normal or aggressive cleaning is desired can be used.

In some embodiments, the motion detector 50 is an electronic sensor, for example an electronic inertial sensor to sense cleaning motion in an x-y plane. In cases where an electronic sensor is used, a power source, such as power source 48 powers the electronic sensor. In other embodiments, the motion detector 50 is a mechanical sensor, for example a sensing wheel provided about the cleaning apparatus so that the wheel directly contacts the surfaces being cleaned. The mechanical turning of the sensing wheel can generate a signal that low or high power operation is desired. In cases where a mechanical sensor is used, the sensor might generate its own power and thus an external power source would not be needed. In some cases, the sensor 50 is an accelerometer.

The motion detector 50 is electrically connected to the wireless transmitter 46. In some cases, the motion detector 50 sends a raw signal to the wireless transmitter 46, which simply signals the type of movement taking place. The wireless transmitter 46 then transmits this raw signal to the wireless receiver 36 and onto the CPU 32. The CPU 32 then analyzes this raw signal to determine whether the motion detector 50 signals that normal or aggressive cleaning is taking place and thus the operator desires to switch the vacuum motor 14 on in the low power mode or that aggressive cleaning is taking place and the high power mode is desired. In other cases, the motion detector 50 contains an internal processor that internally analyzes the cleaning motion and determines whether normal or aggressive cleaning is desired. The motion detector 50 then outputs a signal to the CPU 32 to instruct the CPU 32 that the operator wishes to switch the motor 14 on in the low power mode or to a high power mode.

The CPU 32 or the motion detector internal processor analyzes the cleaning motion against a threshold movement criteria to determine whether normal or aggressive cleaning is desired. For example, if the cleaning motion meets a first threshold movement criteria, the CPU 32 or motion detector internal process identifies the motion as “normal” cleaning motion. Likewise, if the cleaning motion meets a second threshold movement criteria the cleaning motion is identified as “aggressive” cleaning motion. The threshold movement criteria can be any suitable movement criteria, such as a threshold movement speed. In cases where the motion detector is a sensor wheel, the threshold movement criteria can be a threshold revolutions per second.

In some embodiments, the wand 18 does not include any switches 38, 40. Rather, the motion detector 50 alone determines whether the operator wishes to turn the vacuum motor 14 on or to switch the motor 14 to a high power mode. In this case, the wand 18 simply includes a wireless transmitter 46, a motion detector 50 and a power source 48. This embodiment simplifies the use of the vacuum cleaner 10 for the operator and thus turns the vacuum cleaner 10 into an intelligent machine.

As discussed, the CPU 32 collects information from the switches 38, 40 and the motion detector 50 using a wireless system. The use of a wireless system, as opposed to hard wires, to connect the switches 38, 40 and the motion detector 50 to the CPU 32 increases the mechanical reliability of the vacuum cleaner 10. Hard wires that extend through the body 12 and through the wand 18 are prone to damage as the wand 18 is in constant motion, thereby moving, stretching and bending the wires.

The CPU 32 includes a firmware and controls the power electronics 30 using the instructions stored in the firmware. The CPU 32 also includes a timing system (i.e., one or more timers) that controls the duration the motor 14 is in low power mode or high power mode. In other words, the timing system tracks when to switch off the power electronics or to prompt the power electronics to output a maximum voltage or a reduced voltage.

One embodiment of a timing system will now be described. The timing system helps to prolong the battery 26 life. The timing system can include a lower power mode timer (“LPT”), a high power mode timer (“HPT”) and a high power mode wait timer (“HPWT”). The LPT sets the time period in which the motor 14 runs in the low power mode. The LPT ensures that the vacuum motor 14 will not continue to run if it is left idle. In some cases, the LPT has a time period of five minutes or less, such as 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 minute(s).

The HPT sets the time period in which the motor 14 runs in the high power mode. The high power mode may not be sustainable for more than a short period of time, and the HPT ensures that the vacuum motor 14 will only run for a maximum allowed time period before reverting to a low power mode. In some cases, the HPT has a time period of 3 minutes or less, such as 3, 2 or 1 minute(s). Such a restriction on the HPT time period helps to preserve the battery 26 life.

Finally, the HPWT sets the time period in which the motor must wait before again entering into a high power mode. The HPWT prevents an operator from continuously activating the high power mode without allowing the battery 26 to have a break in between high power mode operations. Typically, the HPWT has a time period that is longer than the HPT time period. For example, if the HPT time period is 2 minutes, the HPWT time period can be 3 or 4 minutes. In certain embodiments, the HPWT has a time period that is double the time period of the HPT time period. For example, when both the HPT and HPWT start at the same time the HPT time period is 2 minutes and the HPWT time period is 4 minutes. The use of a HPWT also helps to preserve the battery 26 life.

The general operation of the CPU 23 will now be described. When the switches 38, 40 and/or the motion detector 50 signals that the operator wishes to turn the motor 14 on or to operate the motor 14 in a low power mode, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to output the reduced voltage to the motor 14. At the same time, the CPU 32 resets the LPT. Once the LPT expires, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to switch off.

When the switches 38, 40 and/or the motion detector 50 signals that the operator wishes to operate the motor 14 in a high power mode, the CPU 32 first checks to see of the HPWT has expired. If the HPWT has expired, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to increase the voltage output to the motor 14. At the same time, the CPU 32 resets both the HPT and the HPWT. If the HPWT has not expired, the CPU 32 does not prompt the power electronics 30 and does not reset the HPT or the HPWT. Once the HPT expires, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to output the reduced voltage to the motor 14. Also, when the HPWT expires, the CPU 32 will then allow the power electronics 30 to once again increase the voltage output if the CPU is so prompted.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an operation mechanism for the battery-powered vacuum cleaner 10. The operation mechanism starts at step 110. At step 112, the CPU 32 captures information from the switches 38, 40, the motion detector 50. At step 114, the CPU asks whether either the switches 38, 40 or the motion detector 50 indicate that an operator wants to turn the motor 14 on and/or operate in a low power mode. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to step 120. If the answer is yes, at step 116, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to output a reduced voltage to the motor 14 to run the motor in the low power mode. At the same time, at step 118, the CPU 32 resets the LPT. The process then proceeds to step 120.

At step 120, the CPU 32 asks whether either the switches 38, 40 or the motion detector 50 indicate that an operator wants to operate in a high power mode. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to step 132. If the answer is yes, the CPU 32 asks whether the HPWT has expired. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to step 132. If the answer is yes, at step 124, the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to output maximum voltage to the motor 14 to operate in high power mode. At the same time, the CPU 32 resets the HPWT at step 16, resets the HPT at step 128, and resets the LPT at step 130. In other words, when the high power mode starts at step 124, each of the HPT, HPWT and the LPT are reset. The process then proceeds onwards to step 132.

At step 132, the CPU 32 asks whether either the switches 38, 40 or the motion detector 50 indicate that an operator wants to shut down the high power mode. If the answer is yes, the process proceeds to step 136, where the CPU 32 prompts the power electronics 30 to output a reduced voltage to run the motor 114 in a low power mode. If the answer is no, at step 134, the CPU 32 asks whether the HPT is expired. If the answer is yes, the process proceeds to step 136. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to step 138.

At step 138, the CPU 32 asks whether either the switches 38, 40 or the motion detector 50 indicate that an operator wants to shut down the low power mode, thereby turning the motor off. If the answer is yes, at step 142, the CPU 32 turns the power electronics 30 off, thereby shutting down the motor 14. If the answer at step 138 is no, the CPU 32 asks whether the LPT has expired. If the answer is yes, the CPU 32 turns the power electronics off at step 142. If the answer is no, the process returns to step 112 and the operation mechanism repeats itself. 

What is claimed:
 1. A battery-operated cleaning apparatus, comprising: a battery, a power management system and a motor, wherein the battery supplies battery power to the motor when electrically connected to the motor, wherein the power management system selectively electrically connects and disconnects the battery and the motor; an operator interface permitting an operator of the cleaning apparatus to select a power mode of operation, wherein the power mode of operation includes two or more power modes, wherein the two or more power modes includes a first power mode and a second power mode, wherein the second power mode is a higher power mode than the first power mode; wherein the power management system electrically connects and disconnects the battery and the motor based on the operator's selected power mode of operation, wherein in the first power mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery and the motor using a first duty cycle and wherein in the second power mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery and the motor using a second duty cycle, wherein the second duty cycle is higher than the first duty cycle.
 2. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power management system is a battery management system comprising a central processing unit and power electronics, wherein the central processing unit instructs the power electronics to electrically connect and disconnect the battery and the motor.
 3. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more power modes includes an off mode, wherein when the operator selects the off mode, the power management system disconnects the battery from the motor.
 4. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power management system further comprises a timer system, wherein the timer system includes a first power mode timer that regulates a time period the motor operates in the first power mode and a second power mode timer that regulates a time period the motor operates in the second power mode, wherein when the operator selects the first power mode, the power management system resets the first power mode timer and operates in the first power mode, and wherein when the operator selects the second power mode, the power management system resets the second power mode timer and operates in the second power mode.
 5. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the first power mode timer expires, the power management system disconnects the battery from the motor and wherein when the second power mode timer expires, the power management system operates the motor in the first power mode.
 6. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the timer system further comprises a second power mode wait timer that regulates a time period the motor must wait before operating in a subsequent second power mode.
 7. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein: (a) when the operator selects the first power mode, the power management system resets the first power mode timer and operates in the first power mode; (b) when the operator selects the second power mode and the second power mode wait timer has expired, the power management system resets the second power mode timer, resets the second power mode wait timer and operates the in the second power mode; and (c) when the operator selects the second power mode and the second power mode wait timer has not expired, the power management system continues to operate in the first power mode until the second power mode wait timer expires.
 8. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning apparatus is a vacuum cleaner.
 9. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises a body and a cleaning wand, wherein the body and the cleaning wand are joined together by a movable, flexible member, wherein the body includes the motor, the power management system and a wireless receiver, wherein the cleaning wand includes the operator interface and a wireless transmitter, wherein the wireless transmitter transmits a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode of operation to the wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver sends the signal to the power management system and wherein the power management system uses the signal to operate the motor in the operator's selected power mode of operation.
 10. The battery-operated cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning wand, wherein the cleaning wand comprises a motion detector that detects motion of the cleaning wand, wherein the motion detector selects a first power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand and selects a second power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a threshold movement criteria.
 11. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a body comprising a motor, a power management system and a wireless receiver; a cleaning wand comprising an operator interface and a wireless transmitter; and a flexible member that joins the body to the cleaning wand and moves during cleaning; wherein the operator interface permits an operator to select a power mode of operation or a function activation; and wherein the wireless transmitter transmits a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode or function activation to the wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver sends the signal to the power management system and, wherein the power management system uses the signal to control operation of the motor or machine.
 12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the operator interface includes a switch.
 13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the wireless transmitter and the switch are combined as an energy harvesting switch.
 14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cleaning apparatus is a battery-powered apparatus, and, wherein the body further comprises a battery, wherein the battery supplies battery power to the motor when electrically connected to the motor, wherein the power management system electrically connects and disconnects the battery and the motor based on the operator's selected power mode of operation.
 15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 14, wherein the operator's selected power mode of operation is selected from two or more power modes, wherein the two or more power modes includes a first power mode and a second power mode, wherein in the first power mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery and the motor using a first duty cycle and, wherein in the second power mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery and the motor using a second duty cycle, wherein the second duty cycle is higher than the first duty cycle.
 16. The cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cleaning wand further comprises a motion detector that detects the operator's selected power mode of operation, wherein the motion detector sends a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode of operation to the wireless transmitter, wherein the wireless transmitter transmits the signal to the wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver sends the signal to the power management system, and, wherein the power management system uses the signal to control operation of the motor.
 17. The cleaning apparatus of claim 16, wherein the operator's selected power mode of operation is selected from two or more power modes, wherein the two or more power modes includes a first power mode and a second power mode, wherein the second power mode is a higher power mode than the first power mode, wherein the motion detector detects the operator's selected first power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a first threshold movement criteria and, wherein the motion detector detects the operator's selected second power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a second threshold movement criteria.
 18. The cleaning apparatus of claim 17, wherein the two or more power modes includes an off mode, wherein the motion detector detects the operator's selected off mode when the operator allows the cleaning wand to remain idle for a threshold period of time.
 19. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a body and a cleaning wand; wherein the body includes a motor and a power management system; wherein the cleaning wand comprises a motion detector that detects an operator's desired power mode of operation when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a threshold movement criteria; and wherein the motion detector sends a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode of operation to the power management system and wherein the power management system uses the signal to control operation of the motor.
 20. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the operator's desired mode of operation is selected from two or more power modes, wherein the two or power modes includes a first power mode and a second power mode, wherein the second power mode is a higher power mode than the first power mode, wherein the motion detector detects a first desired power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a first threshold movement criteria and, wherein the motion detector detects a desired second power mode when the operator moves the cleaning wand at a second threshold movement criteria.
 21. The cleaning apparatus of claim 20, wherein the two or more power modes includes an off mode, wherein the motion detector detects a desired off mode when the cleaning wand remains idle for a threshold period of time.
 22. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the threshold movement criteria is a threshold movement speed.
 23. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the motion detector is a sensor wheel and the threshold movement criteria is a threshold revolutions per second.
 24. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the body further comprises a wireless receiver and the cleaning wand further comprises a wireless transmitter, wherein the motion detector sends a signal indicative of the operator's desired power mode of operation to the wireless transmitter, wherein the wireless transmitter transmits the signal to the wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver sends the signal to the power management system, and, wherein the power management system uses the signal to control operation of the motor.
 25. The cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cleaning apparatus is a battery-powered cleaning apparatus, and, wherein the body further comprises a battery, wherein the battery supplies battery power to the motor when electrically connected to the motor, wherein the power management system electrically connects and disconnects the battery and the motor based on the operator's desired power mode of operation.
 26. The cleaning apparatus of claim 25, wherein the operator's desired mode of operation is selected from two or more power modes, wherein the two or power modes includes a first power mode and a second power mode, wherein the second power mode is a higher power mode than the first power mode, wherein in the first power mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery and the motor using a first duty cycle and in the second power mode, the power management system electrically connects the battery and the motor using a second duty cycle, wherein the second duty cycle is higher than the first duty cycle.
 27. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a body comprising a motor, a power management system and a wireless receiver; an operator interface and a wireless transmitter; wherein the operator interface permits an operator to select a power mode of operation or a function activation; and wherein the wireless transmitter transmits a signal indicative of the operator's selected power mode or function activation to the wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver sends the signal to the power management system and, wherein the power management system uses the signal to control operation of the motor or machine. 